A TERRIFIED York student said today she was too scared to walk the streets of the city on her own after she was attacked by a beggar while on her way to work.

The 21-year-old, who does not want to be named, said she had been unable to go out unaccompanied since she was grabbed by the throat and pinned against a wall on Friday evening.

The woman, a student at York St John College who lives in Heworth, was on her way to work at a city centre pub when she was approached by the man in Stonebow at about 6.30pm.

When she refused his request to give him money he followed her, saying she had been nasty to him, and eventually pushed her up against a wall.

The ordeal only ended when a passer-by yelled at the man to leave her alone.

The woman said: "He had quite an aggressive tone and he kept saying he didn't want a lot of money and he had never begged before.

"He kept saying it was obvious I had money because I was holding my purse, that there wasn't any reason why I couldn't give him money, and he kept repeating to me that he had never begged before.

"His hand was on my neck to keep me against the wall, so I couldn't move.

"It seemed to go on for ages, I couldn't wait to get away from him, then this man shouted at him to leave me alone and then he ran off. "I was shaking like a leaf, this man asked if I was okay and when I said I was he went off in the opposite direction.

"I ran all the way to work, it was quite a long way, I went to get my friend behind the bar and then I called the police."

The woman, who was left with bruising to her neck, said the attack had changed her.

She said: "Now I'm nervous, rather jumpy. I don't tend to go anywhere on my own at the moment.

"I've been in York for a year and before it wouldn't bother me to walk anywhere.

"Now if I see a beggar I would cross to the other side of the street, it makes me feel unsafe. This has made me think about where I'm going and who I'm going with."

The violent beggar was described as "quite old" with white hair. He was unshaven, wearing dark clothing and carrying two carrier bags.

Anyone with information about the incident, particularly the man who came to the woman's aid, should contact PC 497 Jane Thompson on 01904 631321.

Updated: 12:00 Tuesday, October 22, 2002